There’s one thing I do that makes people like me instantly.

I never realized I did it.

I just did it.

And I don’t do it to be manipulative. FAR FROM IT.

It just works. Especially when you’re meeting someone new—whether it’s a potential client, partner, or high-value prospect.

Because here’s the deal…

In business, people buy from those they like and trust.

So, if you can master the art of making people like you in seconds, you’ll find doors opening, deals closing, and relationships forming like never before.

But let me be clear…

This isn’t about faking it.

It’s about learning how to connect with people FAST.

And if you follow these 3 quick tips, you’ll have the ability to walk into any room, start a conversation, and instantly build rapport with anyone.

Let’s dive in.

Tip #1: The “Instant Icebreaker” That Works Every Time

Back in the early days, I was the quiet guy at networking events.

I’d stand off to the side, overanalyze every potential interaction, and end up talking to no one.

Fast forward to today? I can walk into any event, meet anyone, and build a genuine connection in under 5 seconds.

Here’s how I did it…

I made talking to strangers a game.

I’d go to the mall with one rule: Say hello to EVERY single person I walked past.

At first, it was awkward. People gave me weird looks.

But then I started experimenting.

I’d try different tones: Loud. Quiet. Fast. Slow. With a smile. Without a smile.

And what I discovered?

The best opener isn’t just “Hello.”

It’s “Hey? What’s up…”

Said in a way that makes it sound like a question.

Why?

Because it throws people off just enough to get them to respond naturally—without the usual social barriers.

They either say, “Do I know you?” (which opens up a conversation) or they just respond with a smile and “Hey!”

Either way, you’re in.

And now that we’ve broken the ice, we move on to the next step…

Tip #2: How to Overcome Social Awkwardness (In Any Situation!)

If you’ve ever felt awkward talking to new people, let me tell you something that will change everything:

You can numb the awkwardness—by exposing yourself to it over and over.

It’s like building muscle. The more reps you do, the stronger you get.

And the easiest way to rack up reps?

Talk to EVERYONE who’s paid to talk to you.

• The barista at your coffee shop.
• The cashier at the grocery store.
• The waiter at the restaurant.

Most people treat these interactions like a robotic transaction:

“Large coffee, please.”
“That’ll be $5.50.”
“Thanks.”

BORING.

Instead, flip the script:

Me: “Hey! I’ll take a large coffee. And by the way… I like your shirt.”
Barista: “Oh, thanks!”
Me: “No problem. Now, be honest… how many free drinks do you get a day from flirting customers?”

BOOM. Instant connection.

Or another example:

Me: “Hey, I’ll have a large coffee.”
Barista: “That’ll be $5.50.”
Me: “FIVE FIFTY? For COFFEE? This is NYC! I thought it would be at least $6.50.”

Now, here’s the kicker…

If they laugh? I know I can keep the conversation going.

If they just smile and move on? No problem, I still got my rep in.

Either way, I’m training my brain to get comfortable in social situations.

And over time, that confidence starts to carry over into business settings, networking events, and sales conversations.

Speaking of which…

Tip #3: You Can Literally Say ANYTHING (If You Deliver It Right)

One of the biggest breakthroughs I had in social skills was realizing that…

People react more to HOW you say something than to WHAT you say.

Let me prove it to you…

One time, I walked into a packed restaurant, and the only seating available was at the bar.

I spotted two women sitting next to each other.

So I walked up and said…

“Hey, can I please have your seat? I’ve been standing for about 17 seconds, and I really don’t feel like standing anymore.”

She laughed. Got up. And gave me her seat.

Then I turned to her friend and said…

“Wow. Some friend. She just DITCHED YOU.”

Everyone laughed. We started talking. And just like that, I went from a complete stranger to part of the group.

Why did this work?

Because I used a simple formula I call the…

Sincere Compliment → Ridiculous Insult Technique

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Give a genuine compliment.
Step 2: Follow it up with an over-the-top, obviously fake insult.

Example 1:

Me: “Whoa! You’re killing it today, but could you PLEASE grow a third hand and work faster?”
(Compliment: They’re doing great. Ridiculous insult: Grow a third hand.)

Example 2:

Me: “Damn dude, you’re getting strong.”
Them: “Thanks, man.”
Me: “Now only if I liked you as a person…”

Example 3:

Me: “Hey, I love your hair. I used to have hair like that, but random people kept pulling it. Do you have that problem?”
Them: “Uh… no?”
Me: “Oh, my hair must have looked better.”

It’s fun. It’s lighthearted. And it works EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Because here’s the truth…

People’s guards are up when they meet someone new.

But when you make them laugh? Their defenses drop.

And that’s when REAL connection happens.

The Bottom Line? Making People Like You is a SKILL—Not a Talent.

You’re not born with it. You learn it.

And like any skill, the more you practice, the better you get.

So here’s my challenge for you today:

💥 Say “Hello” to 5 new people.
💥 Try the Sincere Compliment → Ridiculous Insult Technique.
💥 See what happens.

Then…

Come back and leave a comment.

Let me know:

✅ “How I thought it would feel.”
✅ “How it actually felt.”

Oh, and one last thing…

If you want to learn how to connect with people on a DEEPER level (and use it to grow your business, brand, and influence)…

Fill out this quick survey.

Because I’ve got something BIG coming soon. And I want YOU to be the first to know.

Here’s the survey link.

See you inside. 😉